Master of Business Administration

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

International students

Start date
January
March
June
September

Campus
City West

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DMMA

Fees
AUD$ 43,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
048635B

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:
a) A minimum of three (3) years full time management experience and a recognised university Bachelor degree or equivalent professional qualifications;
or
b) A Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of South Australia with an average of at least Pass Level 1 (55%) across four (or more) courses, or an equivalent qualification from the University of South Australia or from another recognised university;
or
c) The Program Director may, under exceptional circumstances, accept candidates with substantial and proven managerial and/or entrepreneurial experience who have demonstrated the potential to meet the learning requirements of the MBA.

All applicants are also required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or equivalent with at least one referee who can validate work experience.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Master of Business Administration provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to advance a career in senior organisational management and leadership.

Qualities developed include strategic thinking, ethical conduct, responsible leadership, evidenced based decision making, an international perspective, the ability to think critically, and the ability to work both collaboratively and with a high level of autonomy and accountability.

Content & Structure

This program comprises 54 units of study, normally completed as 12 courses of 4.5 unit value each, plus a structured Commencement Seminar.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
COURSES and SEQUENCING:
FIRST:
Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools	BUSS 5424	4.5
THEN - in any order:
Accounting for Decision Making	BUSS 5247	4.5
Data Visualisation and Communication for Business Professionals	INFS 5128	4.5
Managing People and Organisations	BUSS 5425	4.5
International Business	BUSS 5251	4.5
Strategic Marketing	BUSS 5245	4.5
Ethics, Governance and Sustainability	BUSS 5385	4.5
Leadership for Growth	BUSS 5438	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
CAPSTONE OPTIONS: Select one of the following (generally taken when all compulsory courses have been completed successfully).
Strategic Industry Project	BUSS 5449	4.5
Company Directors Course	BUSS 5417	4.5	Note(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Specified electives
Entrepreneurship and Innovation	BUSS 5080	4.5
Negotiation	BUSS 5355	4.5
The Law for Managers	LAWS 5016	4.5
Responsible Leadership	BUSS 5389	4.5
International Study Tour	BUSS 5421	4.5
Company Directors Course	BUSS 5417	4.5
Contemporary Management Issues B	BUSS 5419	4.5
Digital Business Strategy and Operations	BUSS 5451	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Electives are to be chosen from a range of specified elective courses set out in the electives schedule and online timetable or, subject to Program Director approval, from other postgraduate programs at the University of South Australia or from other recognised higher education institutions.

2. The Master of Business Administration is designed as a nested program, with credit transfers and articulation pathways from the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. Specialisations are offered in the fields of Finance, Marketing, and Human Resource Management.

Notes

1. This course may be taken as either an elective or as a capstone option. It may be taken prior to completing all core courses subject to meeting the prerequisite requirements of a GPA of 5 or greater with eight courses completed. (See course homepage for full requirements.)

2. Not all electives will be offered each year. Students should refer to the online timetable for details of courses offered in the current year as additional electives may be offered on a once-off basis.